Committee releases final report into 2020 Nova Scotia mass shooting

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Source: Nova Scotia - Halifax & Regional News
Date: 2026-08-31 20:13:52.0
Tags: [Nova Scotia, National, Public Safety, Justice, Governance]

The Progress Monitoring Committee released its third and final annual report monitoring the 130 recommendations stemming from the 2023 public inquiry into the April 2020 Nova Scotia mass shooting. Chaired by Myra Freeman, the independent committee noted that approximately 40 recommendations remain to be fully addressed, with ongoing responsibility now transitioning to the governments of Nova Scotia and Canada, alongside the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The 72-page final report highlights progress in regulatory oversight, policing reforms, and gender-based violence prevention, while acknowledging that critical work remains regarding mental health supports and systemic cultural shifts.

N.S. government changes income assistance rules to exclude people living in tents

Source: Nova Scotia - Halifax & Regional News
Date: 2026-08-27 12:01:07.0
Tags: [Nova Scotia, Housing, Social Services, Affordability, Governance]

The Nova Scotia provincial government, acting on the recommendation of Susan Corkum-Greek, Minister of Opportunities and Social Development, introduced regulatory changes via an order-in-council to exclude unhoused individuals living in tents from receiving enhanced income assistance rates. The regulatory amendments replace the term "accommodation" with "lives in a home" and narrow the definition of "home" to self-employed units, rented spaces, lodging houses, or single-occupancy rooms. This policy change directly overturns an August 5, 2026 Nova Scotia Court of Appeal ruling in favour of the late Bradley Lowe, which had established that individuals living in tents were eligible for enhanced disability and income support. Human rights lawyer Vince Calderhead criticized the policy as forcing vulnerable individuals deeper into poverty, while the department stated the changes provide clearer administrative direction.